Gen Z & Ghosting

The stereotypes of Millennial dating are well-known: constant swiping and anxiety-inducing situationships. We felt it was time to find out what sex, relationships, and ghosting meant to Gen Z after little research had been done into their dating experiences. 

Generation Z (also known as iGen or centennials) is the post-millennial generation born between 1997 and 2012. This generation grew up with the internet and social media, with some of the oldest graduating from college and joining the job by 2020.  

Is Generation Z a conservative generation? 

Generation Z views itself to be more accepting and accepting than any previous generation. Gen Zs make up over half of the population, compared to 22% of Baby Boomers, and the majority of Gen Zs support social movements like Black Lives Matter, transgender rights, and feminism.  

Dating in a social setting 

While Millennials prefer apps when seeking for a date, Gen Z, as the first digitally native generation, is more likely to find a spouse through social media. More students have had a relationship with someone they met on Snapchat or Instagram than on a dating app, according to our poll. Only 56 percent of youth in India have ever used an app to organize a date or hookup, indicating that they mostly use them for browsing.  

Sexting 

Gen Z is highly comfortable using digital technology to share personal images, videos, and messages. Seventy-four percent of Indian youth polled said they had received a sext message and 68 percent said they had sent one. In addition, 25% have had phone sex and 24% have had video sex. Rather than recognizing a distinction between the internet and 'real world,' they regard technology as pervasive in all aspects of their lives, including sex.  

The culture of hookups 

Millennials are often identified with hookup culture, but Gen Z is equally receptive to one-night stands. 20% have had several one-night stands, 18% have only had one, and 25% haven't had one but would consider it. Only 37% were opposed to the notion. The ordinary youth, on the other hand, does not have a lot of experience, with the most common number of sexual partners being one. Males were more likely to be virgins and to have had more than 30 partners than females.  

Relationships that differ 

The considerable number of Gen Zers who would explore an open or polyamorous relationship reflects this modern, open-minded attitude toward partnerships. Only about a quarter of Indian youth consider open relationships and polyamory as ethically bad, despite the fact that only 3% of open relationships and 1% of polyamory are morally incorrect. 21% are open to having an open relationship, and 14% are considering polyamory.  

Ghosting 

Ghosting is a relatively recent colloquial dating phrase that refers to quickly terminating communication with someone without providing any notice or explanation. When the individual who has been ghosted tries to re-establish communication or get closure, they are met with silence. 1 As you can see, it's known as "ghosting" since it entails someone "vanishing" into thin air as if they were a ghost.  

Ghosting (breaking contact with someone you're dating without warning) is unfortunately common among today's students. Ghosting has happened to 43 percent of Indian youth, and 47 percent have ghosted someone. 

Females were more likely than males to ghost someone, despite the fact that both genders were equally likely to be ghosted. This indicates that they are hesitant to end things, whether out of dread of the other person's reaction or apprehension about modern dating customs. 

Why do some people choose to remain anonymous? 

There are two main reasons why someone ghosts another person, and they are frequently combined.

• It's the Straight and Narrow. 

The first is that some people find it far easier (at least in the short term) to ghost someone than to have an awkward, uncomfortable conversation about why you don't want to keep in touch. 

Often, the person who is ghosting wants to avoid conflict or deal with another person's upset feelings, so they simply stop communicating and hope the signal is received.  

• Option Fatigue and Overload 

In comparison to strolling into a bar and having restricted possibilities, internet dating may appear to offer a limitless number of options. "Online daters are fast to have the 'OK, next' or 'Yeah, but what else?' approach since there are so many options. Sometimes the person is pleasant enough, but they are juggling a number of other people, and they simply did not make the cut.

Is it Ever Okay to Ghost Someone? 

When trying to avoid talking to someone, or especially when leaving a more serious or established relationship, ghosting is often seen as a nasty move. There are, however, times when more communication might be detrimental or even dangerous. If you discover the person is married or in a relationship, engaging in unlawful or unethical activities, or displaying toxic tendencies, ghosting may be appropriate. In such instances, you are not obligated to provide an explanation for ending the relationship abruptly. 

Take Away 

In the digital age, ghosting has become more widespread, but just because something is simple or ubiquitous doesn't mean it's always the best option. Consider the implications of ghosting for all parties, and do your best to treat others with respect and candour. It's very normal to feel befuddled, heartbroken, and angry if you've been ghosted. Sending yourself a simple note to stop the relationship will help you reclaim your authority and confidence in yourself while also providing closure.  

You owe no one anything if you feel threatened or deeply uncomfortable by someone. When used carefully, ghosting can be a good way of protecting yourself and distancing yourself from a potentially dangerous circumstance.